Dispensing package

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a dispensing package that has a plastic backing that maintains the package in a substantially flat orientation. The plastic backing is adapted to have a label placed on its surface. A score through the label, which extends into the plastic backing causes the package to open upon flexure. Another score on the opposite side provides a metered opening in the package. An additional seal can be placed over the score to prevent accidental opening or resealing of the package. Promotional pieces can be used as the additional seal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/526,690 entitled “Dispensing Package” filed Dec. 2, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all it discloses and teaches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally pertains to packaging and more specifically pertains to dispensing packages.

b. Description of the Background

Various techniques have been used in the past for providing packaging of various types of materials. Prior devices, however, have generally been unable to provide packages that are capable of dispensing liquids, gels, creams and other types of fluid materials in a controlled fashion using a low cost, easy to use package. In addition, many packages require the use of two hands to open a package. Further, many packages require application of fine dexterity or the use of fingernails to peel off coverings to access the contents of the package. Opening these types of packages may require additional time, and may require skills not possessed by certain segments of the population, such as young children, elderly individuals, handicapped persons, etc.

For these reasons, a simple and easy to use, low cost package is needed that allows the user to open a package with one hand and dispense the contents of the package in a desired manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a lost cost, simple and easy to use package that allows the user to dispense the contents of the package in a desired manner.

The present invention may therefore comprise a package for carrying and dispensing contents through a metered opening comprising: a plastic backing having a first elastic limit and a shear modulus sufficient to maintain the package in a substantially flat configuration; a label attached to a first side of the plastic backing; a first score formed through the label and extending at least partially into the first side of the plastic backing; a coating formed on a second side of the plastic backing having a second elastic limit that is greater than the first elastic limit; a pouch formed on the second side of the plastic backing that is adapted to carry the contents of the package; and a second score that extends from an interior portion of the pouch and at least partially into the second side of the plastic backing, the second score substantially aligned with the first score on the plastic backing so that flexure of the plastic backing by a first amount is sufficient to cause the plastic backing to exceed the first elastic limit and break along the first score while flexure to a folded position is insufficient to cause the coating to exceed the second elastic limit.

The present invention may further comprise a method of making a dispensing package for dispensing contents through a metered opening comprising: providing a plastic backing having a first sheer modulus sufficient to maintain the package in a substantially flat configuration and having a first elastic limit, the plastic backing having a coating formed on a second side of the plastic backing, the coating having a second elastic limit that is greater than the first elastic limit; placing a label on a first side of the plastic backing; placing a first score in the label and the plastic backing that penetrates the label and the plastic backing; placing a second score in the coating and the second side of the plastic backing; placing a pouch on the second side of the plastic backing over the coating, the pouch adapted to carry the contents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an additional side perspective view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating the manner in which the package can be grasped for opening.

FIG. 4B is a side view illustrating the manner in which the package is flexed for opening.

FIG. 4C is a side view illustrating additional flexure of the package and the further dispensing of fluid.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating the rapid dispensing of fluid.

FIG. 4E is a perspective view illustrating the control dispensing of fluid from another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing an opened package.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 showing an opened package.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 111 showing an opened package.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15-29 illustrate a press that can be used to make various embodiments to the dispensing package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention. Dispensing package 100 has a plastic backing 102 made of thin plastic materials such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or other polymeric or plastic type of material. The plastic backing 102 has a sufficient thickness and stiffness to hold the dispensing package 100 in a substantially flat configuration. Located on the top surface of the dispensing package 100 is a label 104. The label can comprise any desired type of label including clear plastic labels, printed labels, etc. The label can be attached to the plastic backing using a pressure sensitive adhesive, the heat curing adhesive or any other desired type of adhesive. In the embodiment of the dispensing package 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, a score 106 is made through the label 104 and into the plastic backing of 102. Upon flexure of the dispensing package 100, the plastic backing breaks along the score 106. A pouch 108 on the under side of the dispensing package 100 contains a fluid material such as a liquid or gel that is dispensed through the broken plastic backing 102.

As disclosed in more detail below, a metering hole is formed by a second score that extends through the interior portion of the package into the plastic backing 102 so that the contents of the dispensing package 100 is dispersed only over a portion of the score 106.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the dispensing package 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the plastic backing 102 has a thickness that provides sufficient structural integrity to hold the dispensing package 100 in a substantially flat configuration. The label 104 is placed on the outer (upper) surface of the plastic backing 102. Score 106 is formed through the label 104 and into the plastic backing 102. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, a pouch 108 is attached to the underside of the plastic backing 102 and contains the contents of the package, which normally constitutes some type of fluid such as a liquid, a gel or other material.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the underside of the dispensing package 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the plastic backing has a score 106 that extends the entire width of the plastic backing as indicated above. An additional score 110 is formed underneath the pouch 108 on the interior portion of the dispensing package 100, which is the backside (or underside) of the plastic backing 102. Score 110 is a short score and, as disclosed above, provides a metering hole for dispensing the contents of the dispensing package 100, as explained in more detail below.

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating the manner in which the dispensing package 100 may be grasped by a user. As shown in FIG. 4A, the ends of the dispensing package 100 are grasped between the thumb and middle finger of the user. The index finger can then be used to push on the pouch side of the dispensing package. As shown in FIG. 4B, the dispensing package 100 flexes and breaks along the score 106 to dispense the contents 402.

As shown in FIG. 4C, continued folding of the dispensing package 100 causes the pouch 108 to further compress and squeeze more of the contents 402 from the dispensing package 100. In this matter, the amount and flow rate of the dispensing of the contents 402 can be controlled by the user.

FIG. 4D is another perspective view illustrating the manner in which a dispensing package 100 is opened. FIG. 4D illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which a score 106 extends across the entire width of the plastic backing 102. As shown in FIG. 4D, the pouch 108 dispenses the contents 402 along the center portion of the score 106.

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing package 400. As shown in FIG. 4E, a small slit 404 is formed in the plastic 405. This causes additional stress in the dispensing package 400 since the plastic backing 405 does not break along the entire width of the dispensing package 100. Hence, the dispensing package 400 bends in a U shape fashion and provides greater feedback to the user so that the speed and volume at dispensing of the contents can be better controlled by the user.

FIG. 5A is a cutaway view of one embodiment of a dispensing package 500. As shown in FIG. 5A, the package includes a plastic backing 502. The plastic backing 502 may be made of polystyrene or other plastic materials including various polymers. The plastic backing 502 provides structural rigidity for the dispensing package 500. As such, it has a shear modulus that is sufficient to hold the dispensing package 500 in a substantially flat orientation. In one embodiment, the plastic backing 502 has a thickness of approximately 16 mm. Placed on the top (exterior) portion of the plastic backing 502 is a label 504. The label is attached to the plastic backing with an adhesive layer 506. The adhesive layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or any desired type of adhesive. The label can be any desired type of label and can provide advertising and other information relating to the contents 524 of the dispensing package 500. A score 508 is made through the label 504, adhesive 506 and extends into the plastic backing 502. In one embodiment, the label is approximately 2.3 mm in depth and the adhesive is about 1.5 mm in depth. The score 508 extends approximately 4 mm into the plastic backing 502 so that the total depth of the score 508 is approximately 7.8 mm. Of course, these dimensions are exemplary only, and the plastic backing 502, label 504, adhesive 506 and the score 508 can have any desired depth that creates the desired result for use of the dispensing package 500. On the bottom side (interior side) of the plastic backing 502 are two co-extruded layers. The first co-extruded layer is a structural layer 510 that has a high elastic limit (i.e., is very flexible). The structural layer 510 may be an EVOH (ethanol vinyl alcohol) layer that can have a depth of approximately 0.5 mm. The outer co-extruded layer is a pouch coating 512 that is applied over the structural coating 510. The pouch coating 512 also provides structural features and has a very high elastic limit in the same manner as the structural coating 510. The elastic limit of the structural coating 510 and the pouch coating 512 is substantially higher than the elastic limit of the plastic backing 502. In this fashion, structural coating 510 and pouch coating 512 do not break when the plastic backing 502 is broken as a result of flexure of the dispensing package 500. Pouch coating 512 may comprise a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) coating that can be approximately 2.5 mm thick. The pouch coating 512 functions as both a structural layer and a containment film for containing the contents 524. Pouch coating 512 can also act as a FDA layer that prevents contamination of the contents 524 from the surrounding materials. Another score 514 is formed in the bottom (interior) side of the plastic backing 502. Score 514 may extend, in one embodiment, approximately 4 mils into the plastic backing 502. Hence, the total depth of the score 514 is approximately 7 mils. By scoring both sides of the plastic backing 502, the plastic backing 502 will break along the aligned portions of the scores 508, 514. In addition, the plastic backing 502, as well as the label 504 and adhesive 506, will break along the extent of the score 508. However, structural coating 510 and pouch coating 512 have a substantially higher elastic limit so that structural coating 510 and pouch coating 512 remain intact in the portions that are not scored by score 514, even though the plastic backing 502 is broken by score 508. In this fashion, score 514 can function as a metering hole for controlling the location and size of the opening in which the contents 524 of the dispensing package 500 are dispensed.

FIG. 5A also discloses an inner pouch layer 516 that may also comprise a linear low density polyethylene having a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm. The inner pouch layer 516, in a manner similar to pouch coating 512, functions as both a structural layer and a containment film for the contents 524. The inner pouch layer 516 is heat sealed to the pouch coating 512 at the sides and ends of the pouch 522. Disposed over the inner pouch layer 516 is an outer pouch layer 520 that may comprise a PET material of approximately 3.0 mm. The outer pouch layer 520 has a structural coating 518 that may comprise an EVOH layer of approximately 0.5 mm. Structural coating 518 provides additional structural integrity to the pouch 522. Both the structural coating 518 and the inner pouch layer 516 may be a co-extruded layer on the outer pouch layer 520. Again, the entire structure of the outer pouch layer 520, the structural coating 518, and the inner pouch layer 516 is heat sealed to pouch coating 512 to create the pouch 522 in the manner described below.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a dispensing package 530 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5B, the dispensing package 530 has a plastic backing 532 similar to the plastic backing disclosed with respect to the description of FIG. 5A. In addition, a label 534 is applied to the outer surface of plastic backing 532 with an adhesive 536, in manner similar to the description with respect to FIG. 5A. A score 538 is formed through the label 534, adhesive 536 and extends into the plastic backing 532 a predetermined distance. For example, the score 538 can extend into the plastic backing 532 by 4 mm, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Of course, the score 538 can extend any distance desired into the plastic backing 532, so long as a fracture is caused in the plastic backing 532 as a result of flexure of the dispensing package 530. In other words, the score 538 must be sufficiently deep to create a fracture in the plastic backing 532 along the length of the score 538, which is dependent upon the depth of the score 538, the elastic modulus of the plastic backing 532 and the elastic limit of the plastic backing 532.

As also shown in FIG. 5B, the backside (interior side) of the plastic backing 532 includes a sealant/structural layer 540. The sealant/structural layer 540 has a much higher elastic limit (is more flexible) than the plastic backing 532 and provides structural support for the dispensing package 530 along the areas in which the score 538 fractures the plastic backing 532, and the score 542 is not present. In other words, the sealant/structural layer 540 holds the dispensing package 530 together even if the score 538 extends across the entire width of the dispensing package 530. Further, the sealant/structural layer 540 causes the score 542 to function as a metering hole for dispensing the contents of 548 of the dispensing package 530 since the sealant/structural layer 540 does not break and only provides an opening along the length of the score 542. Sealant/structural layer 540 can also function as a containment layer for containing the contents 548 and preventing contamination of the contents 548 as a result of leaching of plasticizers or other undesirable agents from the plastic backing 532. Sealant/structural layer 540 may also function as a containment layer for containing the contents 548 without leakage or dispersal of the contents 548. Sealant/structural layer 540 can comprise any desired material including adhesives, polymers or other materials capable of performing the specified functions. Pouch layer 544 also provides a structural and containment layer that forms the pouch 546 for containing the contents 548. The pouch layer 544 may be heat sealed to the sealant/structural layer 540. Pouch layer 544 may include an extruded structural layer, but in general, comprises a flexible material that is capable of containing the contents 548 without being easily penetrated or ruptured and without contaminating the contents 548.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, a plastic backing 600 has a score 602 that extends across the width of the package. A second score 604 is formed on the opposite side of the plastic backing 600 and is vertically aligned with score 602, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As can be seen from FIG. 6, score 604 has a substantially shorter length than the score 602, which extends across the entire width of the package illustrated in FIG. 6. As also shown in FIG. 6, the pouch 606 is heat sealed to the underside of the plastic backing 600. The score 602 is similar to the score 106 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, in that the score 602 extends across the entire width of the package.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 which has been flexed to an open position. As shown in FIG. 7, plastic backing 600 has been flexed so that the score 602 causes the plastic backing to break along the length of the score 602. Score 604 is aligned with score 602 and creates a metering hole 608 for dispensing the contents when the plastic backing 600 is broken along the score 602. Structural coating 610 has a much higher elastic limit than the plastic backing 600 and remains intact when the plastic backing 600 is broken along the score 602. In this fashion, the contents of the package which are contained in the pouch 606 are only dispensed through the metering hole 608 which is formed by score 604 on the bottom side of the plastic backing 600. Hence, score 602 can be formed across the entire width of the dispensing package which allows the plastic backing 600 to easily break and quickly dispense the contents, but at the same time only dispense the contents through a smaller metering hole which is formed by score 604.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a dispensing package 800. As shown in FIG. 8, the score 802 on the top of the dispensing package 800 does not extend across the entire width, but only extends across a middle portion of the plastic backing of the dispensing package 800. Shoulder portions 804, 806 extend from the end of the score 802 to the side of the dispensing package 800. These shoulder portions 804, 806 provide additional strength to the overall package and provide stress when the plastic backing is flexed. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the dispensing package 800 is not opened as quickly in response to a flexing action as the dispensing package 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, 6 and 7. As such, the dispensing package 800, illustrated in FIG. 8, provides additional control for the dispensing of the contents as disclosed in more detail below.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of the dispensing package 800 illustrated in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, score 802 is disposed in the top of the plastic backing 810. Score 808 is disposed in the bottom side (underside) of the plastic backing 810 and is vertically aligned with score 802. Score 802 does not extend for the entire width of the dispensing package 800, but provides a shoulder portion 804 in which the plastic backing 810 is not scored.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dispensing package 800 in a flexed position. As shown in FIG. 10, the dispensing package 800 is flexed which causes the plastic backing 810 to break along the score 802. Flexure of the dispensing package 800 also causes score 808 to break and create a metering hole 810. Structural coating 812 prevents the dispensing package 800 from opening across the entire length of the score 802. The metering hole 810 is formed only along the length of the score 808. Shoulder portions 804 and 806 in the plastic backing 810 provide an elastic spring-like force that provides additional stress to the deformation of the flexure of the dispensing package 800. The shoulder portions 804, 806, in this fashion, provide a structure that allows the user to control the flexure of the dispensing package 800, rather than having the dispensing package immediately open, such as with the embodiment of dispensing package 100. The dispensing package 800, in this fashion, provides more control over dispensing of the contents from the pouch 814 of the dispensing package 800.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a dispensing package 1100. As shown in FIG. 11, score 1102 has even a shorter length than the score 802 of dispensing package 800. Hence, the shoulder portions 1104, 1106 are much larger and provide an even greater feedback force to the flexure of the dispensing package 1100.

FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective view of the dispensing package 1100 of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, score 1102 is formed in the upper surface of the plastic backing and is vertically aligned with a similar score 1108 in the opposite surface of the plastic backing. Shoulder 1104 extends a substantial distance across the width of the dispensing package 1100 and provides a substantial feedback force to the flexure of the dispensing package 1100.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dispensing package 1100 shown in a flexed position. As shown in FIG. 13, the score 1102, as well as the score 1108, are broken open to provide a metering hole 1110. Shoulders 1104, 1106 do not break as a result of the flexure of the dispensing package 1100 and provide an elastic feedback force that opposes the flexure of the dispensing package, which allows the user to accurately control the amount of flexure and, hence, the amount and flow rate of the contents that are dispensed from the dispensing package 1100.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a dispensing package 1400. As shown in FIG. 14, the dispensing package 1400 has a plastic backing 1402 similar to the other embodiments and a label 1404. In addition, the dispensing package 1400 has a promotional item or resealable layer 1406 that is placed on the top surface of the dispensing package 1400. The promotional item or resealable label 1406 covers a score 1408 on the top surface of the dispensing package 1400. In this fashion, the dispensing package 1400 is protected from accidental breakage causing the contents of the package to dispense unintentionally while the promotional item or resealable label 1406 is disposed on the dispensing package 1400. Item 1406, as indicated, can be a resealable label so that once part of the contents of the dispensing package 1400 are dispensed, the package 1400 may be resealed to prevent further dispensing of the contents. As such, a user may wish to only dispense a portion of the contents and later dispense another portion of the contents. Further, item 1406 can be a promotional item or game piece, such as a lottery card, booklet, coupon or any other type of desired promotional item. In that regard, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/162,722, entitled “Machine for Placement of Multiple Labels,” filed Jun. 3, 2002 by Richard Schaupp, et al., is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. The promotional item or resealable label 1406 can be peeled from the top of the dispensing package 1400 and may be replaced on the dispensing package 1400 after usage.

FIG. 15 through 29 illustrate the press 1500 that can be used to make various embodiments of the dispensing package disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 15, a web roll 1502 of the plastic backing is mounted on a backing unwind mandrel 1504. The plastic backing web is unwound from the roll 1502 as it is pulled across the idler 1506. The plastic backing web 1508, that is unwound from the roll 1502, then proceeds to other parts of the press 1500 as described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the press further includes an in-feed station 1600, a first die cutting station 1602 and a second die cutting station and label laminator 1604. The plastic backing 1508 moves through and between the pull roller 1608 and in-feed nip roller 1610, located in the in-feed station 1600.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the plastic backing 1508 exits the in-feed station 1600 and proceeds through the first die cutting station 1602 which places the first cuts in the backside of the plastic backing 1508. The plastic backing then proceeds to the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604. The printed label webs 1700 are also fed into the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604 where the plastic backing 1508 and the printed label web 1700 are laminated.

FIG. 18 is a close-up view of the first die cutting station 1602. As shown in FIG. 18, the plastic backing 1508 is sandwiched between a cylindrical anvil 1800 and a cylindrical die 1802. The cylindrical die 1802 includes a series of cutting blades 1804 that cut the backside of the plastic backing 1508, which is shown as the top surface of the plastic backing 1508 in FIG. 18. The cutting blades 1804 make the smaller score 1102 as shown in FIGS. 11-13 on the underside or backside of the plastic backing 1508.

FIG. 19 is an additional side perspective view illustrating the first die cutting station 1602 and the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604. As shown in FIG. 19, the printed label web 1700 is unwound from a mandrel and has a plurality of registration marks 1900. The registration marks indicate the location of the label information on the printed label web 1700. The printed label web 1700 proceeds from the bottom of the press and upwardly to be mated with the plastic backing 1508 in the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604, as shown in FIG. 19. The first die cutting station 1602 is synchronized with the registration marks 1900 to ensure that the scores made by the first die cutting station 1602 are placed in the proper location on the plastic backing 1508.

FIG. 20 is an additional view of the backside of the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604. As shown in FIG. 20, cylindrical die 1802 has a cutting blade 2002 which cuts along the length of the cylindrical web. The cutting blade 2002 mates with the cylindrical anvil 1800 to form the score in the plastic backing.

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604 and the filler/sealer station 2104. As shown in FIG. 21, the plastic backing proceeds through the second die cutting station and label laminator 1604, where the plastic backing and label web are scored and laminated. The plastic backing with the laminated label 2102 proceeds around the idler 2100 in an upward direction for insertion in the filler/sealer station 2104.

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating the filler/sealer station 2104. The plastic backing with the laminated label 2102 proceeds around an idler 2200 past a pre-heater assembly 2202. The pre-heater assembly 2202 heats the plastic backing and laminated label prior to filling and sealing the assembly. The plastic backing with the laminated label 2102 proceeds around the idler 2200 under the pre-heater assembly 2202 and around idler 2208 and then downwardly into the filler/sealer station 2104, as described below. A filler conduit 2204 is connected to a supply of contents that is to be placed in the dispensing package. The contents may be supplied in drums, such as 55-gallon drums. The contents can comprise any desired contents including creams, lotions, pastes, alcohol, gels or other fluid type contents. The filler conduit 2204 is then connected to a valve 2206 that controls the flow of contents to a filler tube (described below). A pouch web (described below) wraps around the idler 2210 and also moves downwardly to be mated with the plastic backing and laminated label 2102. Sealing wheel assembly 2212 seals the pouch web to the plastic backing and laminated label, as described below.

FIG. 23 is an additional view of the filler/sealer station 2104. As shown in FIG. 23, the pouch web 2300 is fed from a roller across an idler and down into the filler/sealer station 2104. The pouch web 2300 is on the close side (right side) of the valve 2206 and the associated filler tubes. The pouch web 2300 proceeds downwardly across the sealers 2302.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the filler/sealer station 2104. As shown in FIG. 24, the pouch web 2300 proceeds across the idler 2110 and downwardly on the right side of the filler tube 2400. At the same time, the laminated plastic backing and laminated label 2102 are fed across idler 2200 and under the pre-heater assembly 2202. The pre-heater assembly 2202 pre-heats the plastic backing prior to entry into the filler/sealer station 2104. This assists in the sealing of the pouch material to the plastic backing. The plastic backing and laminated label 2102 are then fed across idler 2208 and proceed downwardly on the left side of the filler tube 2400.

FIG. 25 is a back side perspective view of the filler/sealer station 2104. As shown in FIG. 25, three sealer assemblies 2500, 2502 and 2504 are located on the filler/sealer station 2104. The plastic backing with label and pouch applied 2506 is fed downwardly across the sealers 2500, 2502, 2504 and is filled and sealed in the filler/sealer station 2104.

FIG. 26 is a close-up view of one of the sealing assemblies illustrated in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 26, sealing wheel assembly 2212 includes a series of sealing wheels 2600, 2602 and 2604 that heat and apply pressure to the pouch to seal the pouch to the plastic backing. Cross sealer 2608 provides a cross seal to the web as the web is moving downwardly. Hence, the sealing wheel assembly 2212 and the cross sealer 2608 provide a U-shaped pouch that is open at the top. Filler tubes 2400 and 2606 are located in-between the sealing wheels. The filler tubes 2400, 2606 insert a predetermined amount of contents into the U-shaped pouch that is formed. The web then proceeds downwardly so that the cross sealer 2608 seals across the top of the U-shaped pouch to provide a completely sealed pouch on the web.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the die cutting assembly 2700. As shown in FIG. 27, the filled and sealed assembly web 2702 proceeds into the die cutting assembly 2700. The patterned nip assembly 2704 is then used to cut the assemblies into individual packages.

FIG. 28 is another view of the die cutting assembly 2700. As shown in FIG. 28, the filled and sealed assembly web 2702 is fed between anvil 2804 and the cutting die 2800. Cutting blades 2802 cut the filled and sealed assembly web 2702 into individual pouches as the filled and sealed assembly web 2702 passes between the anvil 2804 and the cutting blades 2802.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the conveyor/stacker assembly 2900. After the individually cut packages leave the die cutting assembly 2700, they are received by the receiving conveyor 2902. They are then transported by the transporting conveyor 2904 for stacking and packaging for shipment. Of course, any desired type of conveyor/stacker assembly can be used for packaging and shipping the individual packages.

Advantages of the present invention include, but not by way of limitation as to interpretation of the claims, the ability of a user to open a package with one hand and control the dispensing of the contents of the package in accordance with the flexure of the package. A plastic backing is provided which can maintain the structural integrity of the package and provide a surface on which a label can be applied. The plastic backing material can be easily flexed with force applied by a thumb and a single finger of one hand. Flexure of the plastic backing causes the plastic backing to exceed its elastic limit along a score on the convex side of the package, which causes the package to open. A second score on the interior of the package provides a metering hole through a structural layer that regulates the dispensing of fluid. The score on the outside of the package can be selected to have various lengths, which results in shoulder portions of various selected sizes. Since the plastic backing only breaks along the length of the score on the outside of the package, the shoulder portions provide a stress that is dependent upon the elastic modulus of the plastic backing which allows the user to easily control the dispensing of the contents of the package. Since the size of the shoulders is related to the stress generated by the shoulders, the required force to dispense the contents of the package and the degree of control as to how quickly the contents of the package are dispensed are parameters that can be advantageously included in the package design.

The present invention therefore provides a novel and unique dispensing package that is capable of dispensing any desired type of contents in a desired fashion. The packages are inexpensive and simple to manufacture and provide a desirable manner of carrying various contents. The package can be easily carried by a user and dispensed in an easy and simple fashion using one hand. In addition, promotional items can be carried on the package including sequentially numbered game items and other types of game items, booklets or any other type of desired material. These materials can also be used for resealing the package if the entire content of the package is not dispensed.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art. 

1. A package for carrying and dispensing contents through a metered opening comprising: a plastic backing having a first elastic limit and a shear modulus sufficient to maintain said package in a substantially flat configuration; a label attached to a first side of said plastic backing; a first score formed through said label and extending at least partially into said first side of said plastic backing; a coating formed on a second side of said plastic backing having a second elastic limit that is greater than said first elastic limit; a pouch formed on said second side of said plastic backing that is adapted to carry said contents of said package; and a second score that extends from an interior portion of said pouch and at least partially into said second side of said plastic backing, said second score substantially aligned with said first score on said plastic backing so that flexure of said plastic backing by a first amount is sufficient to cause said plastic backing to exceed said first elastic limit and break along said first score while flexure to a folded position is insufficient to cause said coating to exceed said second elastic limit.
 2. A method of making a dispensing package for dispensing contents through a metered opening comprising: providing a plastic backing having a first sheer modulus sufficient to maintain said package in a substantially flat configuration and having a first elastic limit, said plastic backing having a coating formed on a second side of said plastic backing, said coating having a second elastic limit that is greater than said first elastic limit; placing a label on a first side of said plastic backing; placing a first score in said label and said plastic backing that penetrates said label and said plastic backing; placing a second score in said coating and said second side of said plastic backing; placing a pouch on said second side of said plastic backing over said coating, said pouch adapted to carry said contents; and filling said pouch with said contents. 